The triumph of wit, or, Ingenuity display'd in its perfection. Being the newest and most useful academy, in three parts. Part I. Containing variety of excellent poems, pastorals, satyrs, dialogues, epigrams, anagrams, acrosticks, choice letters with their answers, ... and exactest collection of choice songs. Part II. Containing the whole art and mystery of love in all its nicest intreagues and curious particulars, ... with the description & anatomy of perfect beauty. Part III. Containing the mystery and art of wheedling and canting, with the original and present management thereof, and the ends to which it serves and is employed. Illustrated with poems, songs and various intreagues in the canting language, with the explanation, &c. To which is added, Instructions for dancing with musical notes.

The Answer.

Daughter,

THe suprizing Letter I received, I could not, had I not been very well acquainted with the Hand, have conjectured to have come from you, I indeed re∣move you at the distance you now are because I percei∣ved a more than ordinary forwardness in you to give ear to the alurements and smooth discourses of young men which becomes not the Modesty of our Sex; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 so doing, we give our selves up to the Temp∣tation which approaches too fast, and run upon those, snares we ought to shun, nor do I now less wonder at your Impatience, and more when you plead your Age, although at the same time you lie in the days wherein to the scandal of their Parents, in whose

Power it frequently is to prevent it, Maids leap out of their Cradle into their Marriage Bed; which in∣discretion is the cause of so many Misfortunes that befall them even in their Nonage, and one of the main Reasons we have such a Pigmy Generation, if placed in competition with former times, when it was held a Reproach to Marry under 20 years; nor must I have you repine if I think it convenient you continue as you are till that time; But if you will be a Rebel to your Obedience, and bid defiance to an∣cient laudable Customs, let the Misfortunes that hap∣pen be upon your own head: however I shall not be wanting to take such measures as may possibly pre∣vent it. And so commanding you to trouble me with no more Stories of this Kind, I am whilst you conti∣nue in a state of Obedience and Duty,

Your careful and Affectionate Mother, M. C.